Introduction

Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic surgery, but there are various reasons why some women may choose to have their breast implants removed. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons specializing in breast augmentation prosthesis removal. This article will explore the top 5 options for breast implant removal in NYC, providing in - depth information about each facility, the surgeons, procedures, and considerations.

Top 5 Hospitals for Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Removal in NYC

1. Facility Associated with Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been widely recognized in numerous magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar, as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures under his belt, Dr. Antell combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest medical technologies, and an artistic eye. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds memberships in many regional and national medical societies, such as the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards.

Procedures Offered

Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. When indicated, he conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also specializes in removing the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).

Consultation and Preparation

During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. Patients are advised to bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the patient's desires, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift. Patients are given guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications before the surgery. They may also need to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor.

Procedure and Recovery

The surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. If possible, Dr. Antell removes the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation. En - bloc resection may be necessary in some cases. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite. They are provided with thorough discharge instructions and are advised to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, and most swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, but it may take several months for the final results to be visible.

2. Practice of Dr. Steven Wallach

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in NYC. He is board - certified and has extensive experience in breast implant removal surgery. His practice focuses on providing high - quality cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including breast implant removal and replacement.

Procedures Offered

Dr. Wallach performs breast implant removal surgery, usually making an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removing them. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. If desired, patients can have the implants replaced with new ones at the same time as the removal of the old ones. Additionally, he offers consultations to discuss options for breast implant replacement, such as switching to a different type or size of implant, or exploring other breast enhancement options like a breast lift.

Consultation and Preparation

During the consultation, if a patient is experiencing complications like capsular contracture, Dr. Wallach may perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the explantation surgery. If the issue is cosmetic, he will discuss various options with the patient. In preparation for the implant removal consultation, patients are encouraged to be familiar with terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation. Good candidates for the procedure are generally healthy, non - smokers, and may need to stop taking blood - thinning medications prior to surgery. Those with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician.

Procedure and Recovery

The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. After the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Wallach makes an incision, removes the implant and, if necessary, the scar capsule. He takes extra care to remove any leaked silicone gel in case of rupture. Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising around their breasts and may be in mild pain. They will need a caregiver to drive them home and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days, but are advised to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.

3. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC

Surgeon Team

The breast reconstruction center in NYC has a team of top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeons. They are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques.

Procedures Offered

The center offers a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy. In an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure. A partial capsulectomy involves removing the breast implant material and trimming/shaping some of the capsule material to create the desired chest contour. A total capsulectomy consists of removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.

Consultation and Preparation

During the initial breast implant removal consultation, the plastic surgeon explains each variation of the breast implant removal procedure. The treatment plan is customized to fit the unique needs of each patient based on their desired post - operative goals. Patients are advised on pre - operative preparations, which may include various imaging tests depending on factors like age and implant condition.

Procedure and Recovery

The breast implant removal surgery is performed at the center's state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite. It takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia. Patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks. The center provides post - operative care and support to ensure a smooth recovery process.

4. Facility Associated with Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal surgeries.

Procedures Offered

Dr. Hutchinson can address various issues related to breast implants. She can perform breast implant removal due to both aesthetic and medical reasons. Aesthetic issues may include palpable or visible implants, rupture, leakage, deflation, malposition, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. Medical issues include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding. In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Consultation and Preparation

During the consultation, Dr. Hutchinson assesses the patient's concerns and advises on the various surgical options available. She helps the patient determine the best course of action to achieve their goals. Patients are provided with information on pre - operative preparations, which may involve following a healthy lifestyle, avoiding certain medications, and getting necessary medical clearances.

Procedure and Recovery

The specific procedure for breast implant removal depends on the patient's condition. After the surgery, patients can expect a recovery period during which they may experience some swelling, bruising, and pain. Dr. Hutchinson and her team provide post - operative care instructions and support to ensure a successful recovery.

5. Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery offers personalized breast enhancement and explant surgery. He has experience in treating various issues related to breast implants and tailors his approach to each patient's individual goals.

Procedures Offered

The clinic provides capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or scar tissue surrounding them. Treatable conditions include capsular contracture, scar tissue, mal - placed implants, and hard or sore implants. Patients can have a personalized consultation to discuss their concerns and goals, and an individualized treatment plan will be created.

Consultation and Preparation

During the consultation at the New York City office, Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani listens to the patient's concerns and goals for breast explant surgery. Based on the examination, he creates a treatment plan that may include partial or full removal of the scar tissue and possible replacement of the breast implants. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and are provided with detailed information about the surgery and recovery process.

Procedure and Recovery

The surgery takes place at the in - office operating room in Manhattan. It takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity and Baker grade of the breast condition. The downtime after the procedure is 1 week, and patients cannot work out for 1 to 2 months as they heal. Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani and his team provide support and guidance through the post - surgery care and schedule a follow - up appointment to assess the recovery and results.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal

Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications

It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in breast implant removal surgeries. Look for surgeons who are members of reputable medical societies and have a proven track record of successful procedures. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell has been in the field for over twenty years and has performed a large number of breast surgeries, which gives patients more confidence in his skills.

Reputation of the Hospital/Facility

Research the reputation of the hospital or surgical facility. Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the quality of care provided. A facility with a good reputation is more likely to have well - trained staff, state - of - the - art equipment, and a high standard of hygiene. For instance, Dr. Weintraub's facility at 800a Fifth Avenue is a hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center with high - quality standards.

Range of Procedures Offered

Choose a facility that offers a wide range of procedures related to breast implant removal. This allows patients to have more options depending on their specific needs. Some facilities may offer additional procedures such as breast lifts or implant replacements in conjunction with the removal, which can help achieve better aesthetic results.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Cost is an important consideration. The cost of breast implant removal can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's fees, and the facility charges. It is also important to check if insurance will cover any part of the procedure. Some insurance policies may cover the removal if it is for medical reasons, such as in cases of implant - related illness or complications.

Post - operative Care

Good post - operative care is essential for a successful recovery. Ensure that the hospital or facility provides comprehensive post - operative instructions and support. This may include follow - up appointments, guidance on pain management, and assistance with any potential complications. For example, Dr. Antell's team is available to answer any questions patients may have throughout the recovery process.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Reasons

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a common medical reason for breast implant removal. It occurs when the scar tissue that forms around the implant hardens, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast shape. The rate of capsular contracture is about 3 - 4% and may increase gradually over the years. Surgeons like Dr. Wallach and Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani can perform procedures to address this issue, such as capsulectomy.

Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)

BIA - ALCL is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can occur in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. It is primarily associated with certain types of textured breast implants, such as those made by Allergan. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a difference in the size or shape of the breasts. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be necessary. Surgeons like Dr. Antell and Dr. Hutchinson are experienced in handling cases of BIA - ALCL.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may experience after breast augmentation with implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, brain fog, and other non - specific complaints. Although the exact cause of BII is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems. Some patients choose to have their implants removed in an attempt to alleviate these symptoms.

Aesthetic Reasons

Unsatisfactory Results

Some patients may be unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation. This could be due to issues such as the size, shape, or position of the implants. For example, the implants may be too large or too small, or they may have shifted from their original position. Surgeons can perform breast implant removal and, if desired, replacement or other corrective procedures to achieve a more satisfactory aesthetic outcome.

Change in Preferences

Over time, a patient's aesthetic preferences may change. They may no longer desire to have breast implants and may want to return to their natural breast size. In such cases, breast implant removal is a suitable option.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Pre - operative Assessment

Before the surgery, patients will have a pre - operative assessment with the surgeon. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, current medications, allergies, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. The surgeon will also perform a physical examination of the breasts to assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissue. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI may be ordered to get a better understanding of the implant's condition.

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal can be performed under different types of anesthesia. Common options include local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia, where the patient is asleep and comfortable during the procedure. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be present to monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure safety.

Removal Process

If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. However, this may not be possible in all cases, especially if the implants were placed through an armpit incision. If there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or the patient has textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. In an en - bloc resection, the implant and the surrounding capsule are removed as a single unit.

Closure and Aftercare

After the implant and any necessary scar tissue are removed, the incisions are closed using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and sometimes an external layer of sutures. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the breasts to aid in healing. Patients will be provided with post - operative instructions, which may include guidelines on taking pain medications, wearing a supportive bra, and avoiding certain activities during the recovery period. They will also be scheduled for follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure that there are no complications.

Recovery and Expected Results

Recovery Period

The recovery period after breast implant removal varies from patient to patient. Generally, patients can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and pain in the immediate